Chicago, USA – June 2025. With a striking presentation at the Chicago convention center —featuring an artificial beach with lounge chairs, live music, dance shows, and more than 30 exhibitors at its booth— Visit Lauderdale made it clear: IPW 2026 has already begun, and its host city is ready to shine in South Florida.

During IPW 2025, the most important inbound tourism event in the United States, Fort Lauderdale brought energy and excitement to a campaign that not only promoted the destination but also set the stage for its starring role as the next host city — just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Aquatic Heart of America

“Water culture is our essence,” explained Caitlan Etchevers, Senior Global Trade Development Manager at Visit Lauderdale, in an interview with ABC Mundial. “We are the yachting capital of the world, the ‘Venice of the Americas,’ and the convention center where IPW 2026 will be held is located right across from our canals, just a few miles from our beautiful beaches.”

Fort Lauderdale's presence in Chicago extended beyond its main booth. Strategic branding throughout the venue —including the lunch area and entrances— reinforced its image as a vibrant destination with global connectivity, a vast hotel offering, and world-class attractions.

A Destination Ready to Welcome the World

Fort Lauderdale is preparing to welcome thousands of international travel professionals with its full arsenal: shopping, culture, entertainment, gastronomy, and sports. “We have a strong connection to soccer,” Etchevers highlighted. “The stadium where Inter Miami plays is very close by, as is Sawgrass Mills for shopping enthusiasts.”

But that’s not all — ice hockey, swimming, casinos, and golf complete a tourism menu that combines the best of sun and beach with a sophisticated urban experience.

Focused on Latin America

“Latin America is essential for us,” emphasized the Visit Lauderdale representative. “We have direct flights from Colombia, Brazil, and Caribbean countries, as well as easy connections from Argentina and Chile via Miami — with the option of taking the Brightline train and arriving in Fort Lauderdale in under an hour.”

The 2025 promotional campaign includes tours across South America, Central America, and Spain, aiming to open new markets and strengthen ties with existing ones. It’s part of a comprehensive strategy to attract visitors, not just for IPW, but as a long-term tourism investment.

“We want the world to fall in love with Fort Lauderdale like we have. We’re ready to show the planet why we are the perfect place to host international tourism,” concluded Caitlan Etchevers.

For more details about the experiences and surprises Fort Lauderdale will offer as the host city of IPW 2026, don’t miss our special coverage following the press conference led by Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, this Wednesday, June 18.